Last year in the Granite A League, Zakk Simoneau rolled his first 800 series, an 806, in March. In less than six months, the hard-throwing right-hander rolled an 810 series in the City League at Southway Bowl.

The 23-year-old, who bowls twice a week, started the night off with a 233 game. In his second game, he rolled a 279 for a 512 total after two games. Many of us would love to have that after three games. In the third game, Zakk was locked in again and ran the first eleven strikes.

According to people watching, he was faster than normal and maybe had a few more revs on the ball, which I doubt is possible. He left the 2-8 for a 298 and an 810 series.

When I asked Zakk if he was nervous and knew what he needed for 900, Zakk said, "A little bit. I knew what I needed for 800, but I wanted the 300," which would have been his first.

Zakk, who works at Granite City Brewery, had only one open, and that was in the first game

Honor counts

• Avery Belcher was perfect in the Pinchasers League at Great River Bowl. Avery, who is averaging 210, had games of 268-222 and the 300 game for a 790 series.

• Lance Sunder came within a pin of being perfect in the Little Caesars Doubles League at Great River Bowl. Lance started with a 204 before his 299 game, and ended with a 180 for a 683 series.

• Anne Mehr rolled her first 700 series in adult leagues in the Strike N Spare League at Southway Bowl. The St. Cloud State student had games of 206-241-258 for a 705 series, just short of the 709 she rolled in Juniors.

• Andrea Moeller rolled a 727 series in the Pinups League at Great River Bowl. Andrea had games of 269-217-241.

Spare notes

• Kevin Mulder, in his first year back to bowling, rolled games of 267-209-256 for a 732 series in the Granite A League at Southway Bowl. It was the left-hander's first 700 series.

• Derek Morton rolled his first 600 series in the Friday Mixed League at Melrose Bowl. Derek, with a 157 average, had games of 166-233-202 for a 601 total.

• Vikki Wipper, with a 152 average last year, rolled a 220 game, 68 pins over her average, in the Strike N Spare League at Southway Bowl.

• Tyler Krousey had games of 177-198-225 for a 600 series in the Friday Mixed League at Melrose Bowl. Tyler, with a 140 average, was 180 pins over for his first 600 series.

• Tim Diederichs rolled his first 700 series in the SCSU Wednesday Afternoon League at Southway Bowl. Tim had games of 257-254-214 for a 725 series to raise his 192 average. Unfortunately, the league is not sanctioned.

• An example to never give up is Joe Rose. Joe started the All American League at Southway Bowl with a 161, well below his average. Joe came back with games of 264 and 276 for a 701 series.

• Junior bowler Abby Moeller had an All Spare game in the Super Stars League at Great River Bowl.

CMHSBL notes

• The Central Minnesota High School Bowling League started its season last Saturday at Southway Bowl. If the first session is any indication, Brainerd-Crosby-Ironton is tough.

On the varsity side, Brainerd-Crosby-Ironton Silver, Blue and White won both matches to tie for the top spot. Sartell-St. Stephen-Albany and Sauk Rapids-Rice/Foley/Upsala split their two.

St. Cloud Apollo and St. Cloud Tech/Rocori were winless.

On the junior varsity side, Brainerd-Crosby-Ironton and Sauk Rapids-Rice/Foley/Upsala won both matches. Sartell-St.Stephen/Albany and St. Cloud Apollo split their two, St. Cloud Cathedral and St. Cloud Tech/Rocori lost both.

The league competes Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Jack's House in Brainerd.

Tourney notes

• The Partner's Pub Invitational Sweeper was held Sunday at Great River Bowl. A total of 40 bowlers competed with a 198 average to qualify for the finals. In a semifinal match, the top qualifier, Henry Trutwin, faced the 12th seed, Scott Endersbe. They tied with 203 games and Henry left the 3-10 baby split in both frames and allowed Scott to advance.

Scott faced Eric George, the second high qualifier, with Eric winning.

• Southway Bowl will host the Minnesota Women's State 600 Tournament starting next Saturday, Oct. 4. If you have not entered, there is no travel, and lets fill up the lanes.

This is the opinion of Times bowling columnist Rick Saatzer. Contact him at rsaatzer@aol.com.